PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) today announced that Music Director Manfred Honeck has agreed to extend his current contract through the 2019-2020 season.

This is the second time Honeck has extended his PSO contract, which began in September 2008. Honeck conducts 10 weeks in subsequent seasons, with additional weeks for touring.

Honeck has led the PSO on critically acclaimed tours to Asia, Europe, Canada and New York. He conducted the PSO in sold-out concerts in nine European cities last year, and will lead the Orchestra on Feb. 26 in a concert at Lincoln Center in New York.

“I can’t believe it has already been six years since our first concerts together,” Honeck said. “Now, in my fourth year as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony, I feel a great sense of adventure with these musicians. They are fearless and dedicated individuals, and I think that together we are achieving breathtaking performances. So I felt great joy when I was asked, and agreed, to extend my term as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony through 2020.”

Chairman of the PSO Board of Trustees Dick Simmons stated, “On behalf of the trustees, I am delighted that Manfred has agreed once again extend his contract with the PSO to a total of 12 seasons. The chemistry between Manfred, the orchestra and our patrons speaks for itself.”

“I am thrilled to announce this,” said PSO President and CEO James A. Wilkinson. “To have Manfred through the 2019-2020 season is sensational. His leadership qualities, both on and off the podium, have gone beyond all of our expectations.”

One Response to “PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES SECOND CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR MUSIC DIRECTOR HONECK”

Congratulations to the symphony and to Maestro Honeck! You are lucky to have discovered each other. I first heard Maestro Honeck conduct at the Verbier Festival in 2008, and was profoundly moved by his work. I have followed his career avidly ever since, and am greatly looking forward to hearing the PSO here in New York this weekend.